Musings of a scifi/fantasy fangirl // Women of Middle-earth database

arwen

Arwen “Noble Maiden”
Also called Evenstar, or Undómiel, “Daughter of Twilight”, she was the daughter of Elrond and Celebrían of Rivendell and the granddaughter of Galadriel. She had two older brothers, the twins Elrohir and Elladan. Born in 241 in the Third Age, Arwen was 2,777 years old during the War of the Ring. Arwen and Aragorn first met in the woods of Rivendell, where he thought she was Lúthien and called out Tinúviel!. Even though Aragorn was raised by Elrond in Rivendell, they had never met because Arwen spent some time in Lothlórien visiting her mother’s kin. Aragorn loved Arwen, but Elrond told him that he is grieved by the doom that awaits her. Elrond feared that Arwen would choose to stay in Middle-earth and become mortal instead of going with him to the Undying Lands. Aragorn left Rivendell and took to the life of a Ranger, wandering the lands for 30 years.

Years later, Aragorn was allowed to enter Lothlórien, but did not know that Arwen was there as well. They were reunited after their long parting at Caras Galadhon, under the trees and flowers of gold. It was here where they became betrothed, on the evening of Midsummer, on the mound of Cerin Amroth. Aragorn gave her the heirloom of his House, the Ring of Barahir, and Arwen renounced her Elvish lineage and accepted the mortal life. Arwen said, “Dark is the Shadow, and yet my heart rejoices; for you, Estel, shall be among the great whose valour will destroy it.” She called him by his Elvish name that Elrond had given him, Estel, meaning “Hope”.

Elrond was grieved when he learned of Arwen’s decision. He tells Aragorn that he doesn’t want her life to diminish for any less cause and says that Aragorn must become King and reunite Arnor and Gondor in order for them to marry. During the War of the Ring, Arwen met with Aragorn when he went to Rivendell for the Council. After the war, Arwen and Aragorn were married on Midsummer in 3019 Third Age in Minus Tirith. Arwen was parted from her father, but when Elrond grew weary, he left Middle-earth for the Undying Lands and the parting of Arwen and Elrond was very sorrowful, for she loved her father dearly.

As Queen of Elves and Men, Arwen lived with Aragorn for 120 years in great glory. At last she felt the approach of old age. Aragorn went to the House of the Kings in the Silent Street. He told her she still could go back to live with her kin, but Arwen told him the choice was over and that the last ship had already sailed. Aragorn said farewell to his Queen and fell into sleep. Arwen cried, Estel!, but he was already gone.

Arwen said goodbye to her son, Eldarion, and her many daughters, and traveled to Lórien. She dwelt there alone, because Galadriel and Celeborn were gone and the land was silent. At last, before spring had come, Arwen Evenstar laid rest upon Cerin Amroth, the same place where she had been betrothed to Aragorn many years ago, and died.